See our updated ranking of all Switch releases by visiting our list of the best Nintendo Switch games.
25. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Starting this list with a Wii U original might not sound too good for the Switch, but it does say a lot about Toad's awesome adventures. Made available at a more consumer-friendly console, Treasure Tracker--a worthy title in itself--is opened up to a brand new audience. Upgrading the Wii U experience, Switch offers co-op treasure hunts, better controls, and plenty more minigames for the Super Mario fan. Become Toad or Toadette and gear up to explore up to four brand new courses. An improved title in visuals, features, and content, it gets a playscore of 8.39
24. Cave Story+
Another excellent port for the Switch comes in the form of this certified indie-produced platformer. Coming a long way since the one-man team, Daisuke Amaya's 2004 self-published release, Cave Story plus remasters the compelling title. Featuring upgraded graphics, music, and levels, the Mimiga adventure has since collected its own share of hearts on the console. Again, with the added co-op, the retro platformer gets an additional shimmer, with a score of 8.39
23. WarGroove
From the publishers behind the adorable indie farming simulator, Stardew Valley, Chucklefish comes out of their picturesque farms and into the world of turn-based tactics. Not quite the relaxing stroll that their previous hit was, Wargroove reintroduces the turn-based genre using their signature retro pixels and mesmerizing soundtracks. Not an original premise, but it's the cream of the crop in Switch strategies, with an easy local multiplayer to boot. It has a playscore of 8.39
22. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
One of the most anticipated games for the new portable console, this collaboration of videogame greats rolls out the red carpet for both their superstar casts. Uniting Ubisoft's wacky rabbits and Nintendo's party-pooped icons, they get down to XCOM-like business with an unexpected depth that's worthy of their triple a polish. Funny and engaging, it's a fresh start for newbies to the turn-based strategy and a treat for Mario and Rabbids fans alike. A playscore of 8.39
21. Dragon Quest Builders
Despite the release of their exciting new sequel, the debut title for this Sony original remains the go-to for a dose of Dragon Quest-slash-Minecraft crossovers. Highlighting the twofold joys of RPG and building, Dragon Quest is as charming as ever. And, especially so with the addition of new townspeople and objectives. Boasting a deep crafting system that goes hand in hand with Dragon Quest's compelling storytelling, it gets a playscore of 8.4
20. OKAMI HD
A gem from the PlayStation 2 Days, the sweet brush strokes of Amaterasu finds it way to modern consoles and it delivers in a big way. A play on Japan's traditional art styles and mythologies, Okami is a colorful puzzle game that challenges you to rebuild the land of the rising sun with nothing but a magical paintbrush. This HD remaster may not have many new features to offer, seeing the classic world with new eyes is well worth the investment. A zen game bursting with colors, it has a playscore of 8.41
19. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
The spiritual successor to the Lizardcube's Wonder Boy series. With its entrance to the Switch, Game Atelier's Monster Boy also makes a switch from motion-based animation to a friendlier, hand-drawn artstyle that draws a wider appeal. Revamping a classic, their foundations are proving strong, impressing critics and gamers with only a few neat additions. Packed with stages of varying levels of difficulty and a world of filled with intriguing secrets, it's a haven to discover with a score of 8.41
18. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
This sequel to the Nintendo Wii original came as a surprise to fans of the Xeno franchise but it looks like developer Monolith Soft delivered an experience worthy of the series. While it ramped up the RPG excitement with a brand new character in search of Elysium, Xenoblade Chronicles isn't all perfect. Receiving criticism for its awful menus and character development, they all made up for it with their vast content and complex battle systems. It gets a playscore of 8.44
17. Splatoon 2
Two years after their award-winning debut on the Wii U, the inklings have come back to bring the color-splatting madness to the new Nintendo console. Step into a renewed Inkopolis, along with their roster of fashion-forward squids. Jumping into the hybrid console, the inklings get a taste for colorful chaos with new weapons and ways to play. The mad push for turf territory gets more intense with dual-wielding, dodge rolls, and so much more. A fresh Splatoon experience, it receives a playscore of 8.46
16. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Todd Howard's not done parading this open-world classic to every known console out there--and yes, released almost a decade ago, classic. We're just old. And, despite the age, the Skyrim's special editions look pretty damn good on the Switch. Taking the beloved Dragonborn adventures to the portable stage, it's almost worth the second look. Probably can't hold a finger to the depth of Breath of the Wild and Nintendo's more recent open-world titles, Skyrim is a welcome RPG addition to the lineup. It has a playscore of 8.46
15. Stardew Valley
Chucklefish makes it to the list a second time around, with, of course, their retro-inspired RPG. A true testament to the iconic titles of the actually old videogame eras, Chucklefish and ConcernedApe's Stardew Valley do justice to their inspirations. Harking back to the simpler Harvest Moon days, it takes back to the farmhouse to fulfill a grandfather's dying wish. Cultivate crops, upgrade your silos, take care of your farm animals and find the love of your life. Crafted with a relaxing soundtrack and a soothing storyline, get your dose of nostalgia with a score of 8.47
14. Dragon Ball FighterZ
From developer Arc System Wroks, embrace the beauty behind cel-shaded 2D characters and dominate your enemy’s power levels in this Switch version of the insane FighterZ. Choose from a massive roster of your favorite Dragon Ball characters and witness a well-crafted visual and mechanical experience. Surely not the first of its kind, but it’s an impressive fighting game for this little yet powerful console. It has a playscore of 8.50
13. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
This latest Pokemon game, brought to us by developer Game Freak, is a welcome treat to the Switch. Before we get a taste of the most anticipated Pokemon Sword and Shield, journey together with a friend around Kanto and of course, catch em all! Though it sounds like a fresh entry, this is an enhanced remake of the Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow. You can even use the Pokemon Go app to enjoy its extra features. It has a playscore of 8.50
12. Octopath Traveler
Square Enix’s debut to the Switch comes in the form of a JRPG. The story takes place in a massive fantasy world akin to Square’s FF titles. Follow eight travelers with eight adventures and eight roles. With a layered battle system, the game’s central focus is its deep and strategic turn-based combat. Even at its downtime, the retro visuals power up the nostalgia of the classic games Square offered. It has a playscore of 8.51
11. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight is a love letter to the simplicity and beauty of the pixel era. Yacht Club Games manages to make the throwback style seem fresh and modern still, making their environments as colorful and vibrant as today's games. The Shovel Knight isn’t the only one with a story. Treasure Trove is a massive collection of all the major DLC’s that have different campaigns. This includes the Plague Knight, Spectre Knight, and the upcoming King Knight that comes as a free update. It has a playscore of 8.52
10. Bayonetta 2 - Digital Version
Everything is possible when you’re a Hideki Kamiya character. Before its long-awaited third installment comes out, Switch players can revisit SEGA’s badass heroine clad in angelic latex armor. Bayonetta’s sexiness, personality and absurd fighting skills is reminiscent to CAPCOM’s Devil May Cry. Although it’s a bit similar, Bayonetta has moves of her own. Beat your enemies with the whip of her deadly locks, or shoot them with your majestic guns. It receives a playscore of 8.63
9. Celeste
Winner of a dozen video game awards for its excellent story, design, and platforming, Celeste is another wonderful example of indie games done right. This 2D indie platformer by Matt Thorson combines the expertise of Towerfall Ascension and Skytorn. Together they tell the story of Madeline's uphill battle towards the top of Celeste mountain. Its punishing gameplay is a challenge for casual players, but for the thrill-seekers, it’s a satisfying feat to make it through the climb. It has a playscore of 8.63
8. Dead Cells
Motion Twin's indie title packs a mean punch to the uninitiated.This hack-and-slash is a blend of roguelike and Metroidvania elements. Its intense and deliciously satisfying combat is coupled with a unique death system. Every defeat is a chance to improve the players’ skills and fight again and again and again. This interesting gameplay element lets you retrace steps and kill monsters with even more gusto. It has a playscore of 8.64
7. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Despite its unforgiving difficulty, Nintendo’s adorable apes enter the Switch as a port. This time, Nintendo is adding new features that make it more fun and casual for first-time players. Travel to DKs icy island, and work together with Dixie, Cranky, and Diddy to restore the heat to their tropical banana paradise. It even has a funky game mode that lets you play the surfing simian, Funky, who's armed with extra hearts and a host of unique abilities. It receives a playscore of 8.65
6. Hollow Knight
A testament of unexpected potential in small indie companies. Team Cherry's Hollow Knight is a slick and stylish Metroidvania with Souls-like elements. Set in a universe where sentient bugs and divine creatures own the lands, players control a brave little knight wielding a needle. Fight your way to the deepest part of Hallownest and face challenging bosses. Wield magical powers and seek help from the many friendly creatures in its underground civilization. It has a playscore of 8.70
5. Sonic Mania Plus
SEGA’s iconic hedgehog rolls around familiar corners in this pixel-perfect and colorful remaster. Packed with new and exciting surprises, Sonic Mania brings new life to its renowned stages with HD graphics and 60fps. Sprinkling new tricks into the classics, rekindle the fire of his loop-filled stages with new bosses and brand new secrets to discover. Stop Dr. Robotnik’s antics and use the power of speed with the help of a friend or two. It receives a playscore of 8.75
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Aside from Smash, Nintendo’s longest-running and successful multiplayer game get the Switch treatment. This congregation of all your favorite Mario superstars as they go about a high-speed, high-stakes battle. Deluxe is a massive improvement from its Wii U original as it allows the player to use 2 items at once. Not to mention its new courses and characters improve the overall content of this party-racer. It has a playscore of 8.96
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Sticking true to its title, this is the ultimate Smash Bros. experience. Packed with a huge roster of 74 characters from various franchises plus DLC’s, this is the biggest Smash game ever. The rules are simple, knock your opponent out of the map before he knocks you out. Since its release, it generated a massive fanbase with a strong and ongoing competitive scene. It has a playscore of 8.98
2. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
An instant masterpiece. The moment it got out, it was immediately deemed by many as Game Of The Year. Nintendo’s brave and courageous adventurer returns in the most spectacular way possible. Rediscover the secrets of the now-destroyed Hyrule Kingdom as the destiny-bound Link attempts to fulfill the prophecy of Calamity Ganon's destruction. Use magical runes to solve the game’s myriad of puzzles in the most ingenious ways as the game rewards exploration. Through this day, players are still finding creative techniques and solutions to the game’s sprawling world. It has a playscore of 9.36
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Taking inspiration from the numerous open-world games in this time and age, Odyssey enhances the Super Mario experience with a fun and interactive world. This entry explores a new chapter in Mario's story as it expands his familiar Mushroom Kingdom horizons, and takes him into an imaginative world of discovery. Use Mario's sentient hat and roam around the magical lands collecting shards and stopping Bowser for good! It has a playscore of 9.37.
Related posts
- Top 25 Upcoming Switch Games for 2023, 2024
- 25 Cozy Switch Games Perfect for a Lazy Sunday Afternoon
- Best New Switch Games of 2023 (First quarter)